Moonbin, a member of the K-pop band Astro, has died aged 25, according to a statement from the group’s label.
South Korean police said the singer’s body was discovered at his home in Seoul’s Gangnam-gu by the band’s manager on Wednesday evening, Yonhap News reported.
It is believed he was pronounced dead at the scene when officers arrived, with police still investigating the cause of death.
Fantagio Music confirmed the news of Moonbin’s death in a statement on social media.
“We would like to apologise for the sad, heart-breaking news,” the message begins, translated from Korean.
“On April 19, Astro member Moonbin suddenly left us to become a star in the sky.”
“Although we cannot compare our sorrow to the grief that the bereaved families are feeling, losing a beloved son and brother, the Astro members, fellow Fantagio artists, company executives and employees are mourning the deceased in great sadness and shock.”
After starting out as a child model, Moonbin, real name Moon Bin, became a trainee of Fantagio when he was in the fifth grade (10 to 11 years old), before joining the six-member boy band Astro in 2016.
They became a five-piece band in February this year when former member Rocky decided to part ways with the group.
The statement went on to ask fans “to please refrain from speculative or malicious reports” to protect Moonbin’s family, who are in “great sorrow due to the sudden sad news”.
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It added that his funeral will be held as quietly as possible in accordance with his family’s wishes, with just family members, friends and colleagues in attendance.
Tributes have been paid from all over the world following Moonbin’s death, with one shocked fan writing on Twitter: “Just heard about Moonbin, my heart is aching. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Everyone please take care”.
Another said: “His smiley eyes will never disappear from my head [sic] Moonbin Rest in Peace Angel”.
While a third fan wrote: “You will always be my moon that shines the brightest. I will never forget you, Moonbin.”